Ireland’s 136 Family Resource Centres are set to receive practical support through a new €1.36 million capital fund announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley. The initiative will provide each centre with €10,000 during 2026 for locally identified improvements benefiting children, families and communities.
Family Resource Centres receive €10,000 each
Announced on 7 September 2026, the once-off investment gives every Family Resource Centre flexibility to decide how the funding can make the greatest difference locally. Eligible spending includes improvements to premises, accessibility, equipment, information and communications technology, security and energy efficiency.
The announcement follows a wider expansion of the national Family Resource Centre Programme. Budget 2026 increased the minimum annual core funding for centres from €160,000 to €180,000, while 10 additional centres established in February brought the national network to 136.
What the capital funding can support
- Minor building works, refurbishment and improvements to community spaces
- Accessibility, health and safety and security upgrades
- Furniture, fittings and essential equipment
- ICT hardware, telecommunications and digital infrastructure
- Software, digital systems and related licences
- Energy-efficiency and sustainability improvements
The allocation cannot be used for staffing costs, including salaries, wages, overtime or allowances. All funding must be spent by 31 December 2026 and recorded within the centres’ 2026 financial accounts.
Tusla welcomes flexible community investment
Tusla, which administers the national programme on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, welcomed the announcement. The agency said the funding would allow centres to respond to the needs of their own communities rather than follow a single national spending model.
Family Resource Centres provide a mixture of universal and targeted supports, including family support, counselling, education and training, advocacy, youth activities, community groups and practical assistance. Their work is focused on prevention, early intervention and accessible services close to where families live.
Spending will be documented through centre management and audited accounts, with oversight included in Tusla’s existing monitoring and performance review arrangements.
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Why the investment matters to local communities
The €10,000 allocation is modest but designed to address immediate practical priorities. A centre may use it to improve a meeting room, replace outdated technology, make an entrance more accessible or strengthen the environment in which support services are delivered.
The programme also reflects the role of Tusla and community-based organisations in delivering family support. While the Department provides policy direction and funding, local centres understand the specific pressures facing families in their areas and can identify improvements accordingly.
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Key facts about the Family Resource Centre fund
- Total investment: €1.36 million
- Number of centres: 136
- Allocation per centre: €10,000
- Spending deadline: 31 December 2026
- Programme administrator: Tusla – Child and Family Agency
Conclusion
The new Family Resource Centres capital fund gives all 136 centres an opportunity to improve facilities, technology and accessibility according to local needs. Combined with increased core funding and the expansion of the national network, the €1.36 million investment strengthens community-based support for children and families across every county.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
